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ICE Removes Rock Band Drummer Mid-Flight?! You Won’t Believe Why!

BBG News

In the recently disclosed bodycam footage, the drummer of Texas-based rock band Lord Buffalo, who was involuntarily escorted off his flight prior to their planned departure for a European tour, is shown clarifying his situation to the police.

On Monday, Saad Saidbaca, a veteran band member, was taken off the aircraft in handcuffs by airport officers, leaving both shocked passengers and fellow musicians bewildered.

Despite being a Mexican national, Saidbaca obtained a green card following his family’s relocation to Austin in the late 1980s, as a result of a severe earthquake that struck Mexico City.

He was detained by airport cops after police responded to an active arrest warrant. 

Law enforcement stated that over the past year, Saidbaca allegedly breached a protective or restraining order on two separate occasions. These infractions prompted a warrant for his arrest on felony charges, eventually resulting in him being taken off the plane.

Currently, he’s detained within a correctional facility in Tarrant County, Texas, with the requirement of a $40,000 bond for his release. If found guilty, a minimum sentence of two years behind bars may be imposed.

The video captures Saidbaca, all prepared for his journey, remaining composed as law enforcement informs him of his imminent arrest and leads him away to detention.

In December, it was stated by Saidbaca that the custody case regarding his daughter was concluded, and he asserted his innocence, explaining that all he did was send gifts and letters, which could potentially be perceived as violations by the child’s mother.

Wondering why the warrant, which was issued in October, wasn’t dealt with during his court appearance in December, Saidbaca showed annoyance but followed orders from the officers as they readied for his transfer to jail, saying, “I just want to go home and consult with my lawyer.

At first, the drummer appeared taken aback by the actions being carried out, yet he followed the instructions of the officers when they requested him to spin around, allowing them to put handcuffs on him.

I’m then guided at a leisurely pace down the airport corridor and ushered into a parked police cruiser, which whisks me off to parts unknown. The anticipation is almost unbearable, every fiber of my being thrumming with excitement as I embark on this thrilling adventure!

Lord Buffalo, renowned for its moody, film-like music, was preparing for a significant European tour, commencing in the Netherlands this Thursday and concluding in Iceland the following week.

However, the plans were swiftly abandoned due to the band members’ emotional distress and perplexity caused by an unforeseen arrest.

The group appeared to be completely blindsided by what had occurred to their fellow bandmate. 

The band expressed gratitude for the massive show of support they’ve received. Although details about the situation remain scarce, they’ve been instructed by the family and legal representatives of their drummer to maintain privacy as events unfold, which they will do accordingly. (Instagram post)

‘Our plan is to go ahead with it, and we’re sending them lots of love. We’ll keep you posted on our family news whenever we can. Thank you all so much for your continued support.’

The tour of the band was scheduled to start on Thursday in the Netherlands and wrap up in Iceland the following Friday. However, the group has sadly chosen to cancel the tour, expressing their regret.

Police officers also seemed puzzles as to why Saidbaca had not been arrested sooner. 

The officer inquired, “So, that’s the crux of our query – why weren’t you apprehended back in December when you were present in court?

‘Yeah, I mean, I’ve been doing everything I’m supposed to be doing,’ Saidbaca replied. 

He disclosed that he’d been mailing birthday and holiday gifts to his daughter, despite the fact that her mother had informed the authorities these acts were against the court order. However, he maintained that the court never criticized or deemed those actions inappropriate.

The judge declared that I hadn’t done anything incorrect… He stated it wasn’t a matter of concern. To be honest, I wasn’t aware there was a warrant connected to that situation at all.

The police informed him that they had verified the warrant with Llano County, leaving no alternative – he would be required to spend time in jail.

It seems that our journey won’t be taking place,” Saidbaca lamented, his gaze fixed on the ground. “Our band is missing its drummer.

The Department of Homeland Security wasted no time weighing in on the high-profile arrest. 

‘Yamal Said is a Mexican national and lawful U.S. permanent resident,’ they wrote in a post to X. 

‘Previously, Said was wanted due to twice disregarding a protective order. Anyone entering our nation who disobeys our laws can expect to be taken into custody.’

According to online jail records, it is alleged that Saidbaca violated a felony law by disregarding a restraining order.

In the late 1980s, the Saidbaca family left Mexico City due to the destruction caused by an earthquake and relocated to the United States.

For many years, the drummer called Austin home, establishing himself as a notable figure in the indie rock community while also contributing significantly to the rise of Lord Buffalo from a little-known Texas band into an internationally admired cult act.

It seemed that there was minimal compassion expressed by fans on Saidbaca’s band’s Instagram after their arrest.

‘Get a drummer without warrants for their arrest so you can leave the country,’ wrote one user.

‘If you can manage to keep your hands off others, both you and your fellow musicians would avoid this situation. It’s ultimately your responsibility if it happens.’

‘Became a fan, sorry for your drummer. This is wild,’ added a third. 

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2025-05-17 16:49

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